National Geographic Museum

For many, National Geographic is a household name – widely known for beautiful photography and a chance to see the world in a new light. While many people read the magazine or watch the channel, we have the added benefit of visiting the museum in downtown DC!

The National Geographic Museum is a small exhibit hall located on the first floor of the National Geographic Society’s headquarters with exhibits that change frequently. Right now, the museum is celebrating 125 years of what they describe as storytelling through photography and film. To showcase National Geographic’s achievement, the museum has set up a giant wall of magazine covers, chronicling every issue published since October 1888. It is amazing to see the transformation from a simple magazine to the gorgeous display of photography that it is today.

In addition, we could also see how photography has significantly changed over the years. We particularly enjoyed looking at the pictures of the ocean. While it seems we are always discovering something new about our underwater friends, it is fascinating to see how underwater photography has evolving from blurry, black and white fish to beautiful displays of color and detail. Another exhibit we enjoyed was about The President, a giant tree located in Sequoia National Park. The interactive exhibit allowed you to explore all 247 feet of the tree while learning about the unique features and ecosystem that develops around it. Views of the tree were absolutely breathtaking and a reminder that nature can outlast anything.

The museum is also celebrating National Geographic’s amazing women photojournalists in an exhibit called Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment. What we particularly like about this exhibit is the work of each woman is so different and tells so many different stories. This exhibit is not only a celebration of these amazing women but the diverse beauty of their work. As you walk through, sound clips of the photographers play explaining their images and the stories behind them. Touch tables give you an opportunity to get a closer look at some of the images in the exhibit with a detailed description of how the image was captured. From gorgeous landscapes to powerful war images, these exhibits will definitely leave you with a new perspective.

You can follow @NatGeoExhibit or check out the website to find out more about current and upcoming exhibits. The museum also offers a 3D movie, group rates, venue rentals, and children’s birthday parties.

I'm Kelley Smith and I love sharing tips on how to best explore Washington, DC. I love pretty much anything I can eat plus really good beer and whiskey served by story telling bartenders. I also like sassy museum guides, photogenic architecture, and colorful urban gardens.